Fultondale Rails to Trails is part of the Five Mile Creek Greenway which will eventually extend over 27 miles. This segment of the Five Mile Creek project is over three miles and is ideal for walking...

The Jones Valley Trail near downtown Birmingham stretches a half mile along 1st Avenue South from 25th Street to 32nd Street. Following a former railroad corridor, the paved, tree-lined rail-trail is...

Birmingham's much anticipated Rotary Trail opened April 2016. At its entrance, the trail features a 46-foot-tall sign which reads: "Rotary Trail in the Magic City." It is modeled after the historical...

Fultondale Rails to Trails is part of the Five Mile Creek Greenway which will eventually extend over 27 miles. This segment of the Five Mile Creek project is over three miles and is ideal for walking...

The Jones Valley Trail near downtown Birmingham stretches a half mile along 1st Avenue South from 25th Street to 32nd Street. Following a former railroad corridor, the paved, tree-lined rail-trail is...

The Jones Valley Trail near downtown Birmingham stretches a half mile along 1st Avenue South from 25th Street to 32nd Street. Following a former railroad corridor, the paved, tree-lined rail-trail is...

Fultondale Rails to Trails is part of the Five Mile Creek Greenway which will eventually extend over 27 miles. This segment of the Five Mile Creek project is over three miles and is ideal for walking...

Birmingham's much anticipated Rotary Trail opened April 2016. At its entrance, the trail features a 46-foot-tall sign which reads: "Rotary Trail in the Magic City." It is modeled after the historical...

The Jones Valley Trail near downtown Birmingham stretches a half mile along 1st Avenue South from 25th Street to 32nd Street. Following a former railroad corridor, the paved, tree-lined rail-trail is...

Fultondale Rails to Trails is part of the Five Mile Creek Greenway which will eventually extend over 27 miles. This segment of the Five Mile Creek project is over three miles and is ideal for walking...

Birmingham's much anticipated Rotary Trail opened April 2016. At its entrance, the trail features a 46-foot-tall sign which reads: "Rotary Trail in the Magic City." It is modeled after the historical...

Recent Trail Reviews

Chief Ladiga Trail

Fantastic

Chief Ladiga Trail

My Go-To Trail

This trail was easily the most welcome surprise I found after enrolling at Jacksonville State University. Paved and flat, it's a perfect trail for beginners (like yours truly) but the sheer length of the trail opens it up to experienced wayfarers as well. It's a beautiful, tree-lined experience with plenty of shade for extended trips. My usual routes are from the Jacksonville train station to Alexandria-Jacksonville hwy and from Park Place Apartments to Germania Springs Park, alternating which one I do each day. Both are just over 3 miles round-trip. The trail is lively -- so lively, in fact, that I've never gona down it without meeting at least 3 others. If you prefer your walk in solitude, then this trail is not what you're looking for. Otherwise, I believe everyone should give Ladiga a shot! Also, if you wish to go further, the trail becomes the Silver Comet Trail at the state line, extending on into Georgia.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Ride in the Woods - Cedartown to Borden Springs

We parked at Esom Hill, close to the GA/AL border. We rode the Comet east to Cedartown mi53 (see my reviews of other sections of Comet), then turned around and rode west to Borden Springs. 27mi roundtrip. Trail is concrete in GA, then turns to asphalt in AL, but both well maintained. It runs through the woods almost the whole way. Shaded, but no scenery but trees. No facilities either. It is a rail-trail, and you think its flat, but its not. Esom Hill is the crest, and its down hill both ways from there - about 100ft elevation change on both sides. But its gradual, so its very doable. But you will notice the difference one direction over the other. Will return to do final west section.

Homewood Shades Creek Greenway

Easy, Friendly trail

Shared asphalt greenway for bikers, walkers, runners. Follows a beautiful creek. Screened from road traffic but not remote. Used by All ages. Popular morning, day & early evening. Although shared, most bikers know to shout "on your right!" as they overtake walkers. Plenty of parking at east end of trail. Pro: Wide, Shaded, Mowed & caretaken, Easy. : No potties unless Homewood field potties are open, a few car breakins recently so stash your goodies well, dog walkers sometimes don't clean up w/doggie bags.

Fultondale Rails to Trails

A nice trail to walk, jog or ride

There are benches and trash cans spread along the path. A nice Creek Trail breaks off the path giving you a chance to walk down to the creek and explore a couple of minor waterfalls (less than a foot high). There is one building that you can rest in from the shade or the rain

Chief Ladiga Trail

Best Trail Yet

I've ridden a number of rail trails and the Chief Ladiga is the best yet. Started in Piedmont AL and the parking was the best; clearly marked lot right behind the police station! Couldn't ask for a better start. Well marked and groomed trail throughout our ride to the Georgia State line. Several stops along the way allow you to rest and even have a picnic lunch. Only needs one or two more bathroom facilities. Worth the drive to cycle this great trail. Will do so again soon.

Chief Ladiga Trail

A TALE OF TWO TRAILS - AL

This is a continuation of my ride on the Silver Comet Trail. What a beautiful ride west through the Talladega NF with a taste of the “old South”. Passing the N.F., you will travel tangent a roadway until you arrive at Piedmont and the Eubanks Welcome Center. The town was tearing down the old cotton/textile mill which is now common in the south, but I could not overcome an overwhelming since of melancholy in the sense we are destroying all our history, but….. The trail to Jacksonville is less woodsy, hillier and more populated but still very nice. Watch on the left side for the white sea mines in the “tree tunnel” before you travel through the impressive campus of Jacksonville State University. The trail remains much the same as before while your travel through Weaver to abruptly stop at the terminus, Holley Farm Road Trailhead just north of Anniston. The CL trial is asphalt and has some minor rough sections but nothing that takes away from its enjoyment. The towns and locals along the path take pride in the trail and are very welcoming to cyclist. If you get the opportunity, I would recommend visiting downtown Anniston by car along the unique Quintard Ave and eating at the local’s favorite Matas Greek Pizza. I think my love of this trail system stems the opportunities to camp, hike & bike all in one GREAT place.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Thanksgiving Week Ride

My husband and I drove to Anniston, Alabama from New Orleans and spent 2 days riding the Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Trail. We stayed in Anniston and drove to Piedmont to ride to the Georgia State line. The trail was smooth and the scenery was beautiful. On Tuesday, we drove a little passed Rockmart, Georgia to ride the Silver Comet Trail. We wanted to ride through the train tunnel and across the tressel bridge, which was very cool. This trail was even smoother and the scenery was equally beautiful. We are looking forward to doing it again. If riding around this time, bring lots of gear to brave the cold weather.

Chief Ladiga Trail

October Ride

Great fun. Nice trail. Would do it again. Ate a late breakfast at Solid Rock Cafe in Piedmont which was good. They had smoothies and coffee there too but we opted for eggs and bacon.

FYI, there is a family of dogs living somewhere near the state line. 4 pups plus their Mom and Dad, no collars. Please pack a bag of dry dog food and/or treats for them. Seemed clean for their situation, very friendly but really hungry. Maybe someone could bring a bowl and leave it there so water can be shared with them. Thanks

Chief Ladiga Trail

Future of trail and lodging

Many have said to me,... there is nothing past Cedartown Ga for lodging....so "we ride from Smyrna to Cedartown..."; and I remind them there is 39 miles of continued trail on into Alabama to end at Weaver (Anniston) Alabama.

Future of the trail is to continue from Weaver into Anniston and link with the AmTrac and open up more travels on to NewOrleans or back to Atlanta and NYC.

I have property, in Weaver, and it is perfect for a B and B...but I need some Bicycle enthusiasts the help me spread the word, to get the place up and running prior to the completion of the trail to Birmingham. This City, Birmingham is building 470 miles of bicycle trails INSIDE the city and that will open the trail to Smyrna (Atlanta) ! so if any interest, please contact me.

Rotary Trail

Beautiful scenery

The trail is really beautiful. There were lots of people walking and cycling. There are also areas where you can sit and even charge your phone. I enjoyed my walk and plan to go further next time to see more of the trail.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Great trail, flat, & shaded.

Drove to Alabama to ride this trail. Great surface, well marked, shaded, flat, close to towns and easy access trail.
Stayed at the lovely Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Anniston a perfect location to the trail and a very nice hotel. Just down the road is the best BBQ ever!!